CD REVIEW: Cynthia Crane/The Time Has Come

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There aren’t many singers I would admit this to, because they wouldn’t be able to take it in the genuine spirit in which it is meant. But I just had a terrific time cleaning my living room. Cleaning and listening to Cynthia Crane, that is! Why was it so terrific, you may ask? Well, because Ms. Crane is so darn entertaining, that’s why! Maybe they should stock her CDs in the household products aisle! There’s a very good reason Cynthia has been a sturdy and appreciated fixture on the New York cabaret scene for these many years, and that’s because she knows how to tell and sell a song in her very own signature vocal style. 

As with most  good cabaret, Ms. Crane’s show’s always take you on a journey and tell a story from her clever, hilarious, and always somewhat nutty perspective.

This record of her 2008 show The Time Has Come, is no exception. Starting with her optimistic take on this “Beautiful, Beautiful World” and a riotous reading of “Air” (from Hair) next stop is the moon, for which Cynthia has a deep affection not to mention connection.

She winds her way through 5 diverse "Moon songs" (“Luna Rossa,” “Moon Goddess,” “I Wished On The Moon," “Reaching For The Moon” and “Moon Song”), some romantic, some touching and some just downright funny! She winds it all up with the hysterical “Who Took Me Home Last Night,” acutely describing just what can happen when the moon takes control! Next stop is the blues which includes a classic-Cynthia version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Buddy’s Blues,” which she makes entirely her own. And how better to deal with those blues, claims Ms. Crane and many-a-many more? Why, through the medicinal aid of a certain herb, of course (“Smokin’ Reefer" and “Marahuana”). Toward the end we get some further insight into why she calls herself a “cabaret singer out to change the world”, and she makes no bones about her political or rather humanitarian wishes to make things better for ALL of us.  Never pushy, always cushioned with humor and hope, Cynthia just might be the one to lead the way! (once she gets through this Madoff mess, that is, which was the subject of her most recent show. But we’ll save that for next time!) And now the time has come to tout the excellent support she receives from the terrific Paul Greenwood on piano and the magnificent Boots Maleson on bass! As for me, I’m putting her back on for another spin to help me tackle the kitchen! Thanks,Cynthia!